Chapter 62

"It's too sudden..."

"Haha, it does sound like Aoi-san..."

Strass held his head with one hand, and Eliza looked at us with a wry smile. I had gathered everyone in the school courtyard and explained the situation so far, but the two of them responded with such reactions. Shenli and Coat, who couldn't hide their surprise, were looking at us, while Air, Liz, and Bell, who had mistaken it for a trip, were already hyped up.

"Mapleleaf...," Shenli murmured with a complicated expression. Coat, standing next to her, crossed his arms and frowned.

"Given our position, it's a blessing to be able to go to Mapleleaf, but..."

In contrast to the two of them, who were creating an indescribable atmosphere, Air and the others had already started exchanging information about the trip.

"What are the famous products of Mapleleaf!?"

"Silk and cotton goods, as well as high-quality tea and spices, are also famous, I think."

"I've heard that the buildings of the Holy Church are as magnificent as a castle."

Liz and Bell joined in the conversation, matching Air's enthusiasm. Coat looked at the three of them with a troubled expression and spoke.

"Since this is also about the exchange between magic academies, we shouldn't be in a playful mood."

Liz and Bell immediately apologized when he pointed this out, but Air frowned in dissatisfaction. It was natural for someone in the mood to play.

However, Air and the others are nobles of the Highland family. They can't act like ordinary children.

"While I'm at the place called the Magic Research Laboratory, it's fine for you to go sightseeing with Mr. Strass and Ms. Eliza."

"Really!?"

When I gave my approval, Air turned around with a bright smile. Eliza tilted her head with a wry smile as she nodded.

"It seems we're going together, then."

Eliza whispered this, and Strass silently nodded.

They might have some complaints, but they are kind, so they will come along. So, I expressed my gratitude in advance.

"Thank you."

"Seems like it's decided, then."

For some reason, Strass's face became even more serious.

"Ms. Aoi, there's something I'm concerned about."

At that moment, Coat spoke with a troubled expression.

"What is it?"

"The schedule is about a month, but including the travel time, it will take more than two months, won't it? That means our lectures..."

To reassure Coat, who said this with a troubled look, I nodded deeply.

"Don't worry. The travel time itself is only one day."

When I answered, not only Coat and Air but also Strass and the others tilted their heads in confusion.

We gathered in front of the city gate and looked back at Glen and the others who had come to see us off.

"Then, for one month, I will be on my way."

When I said this, Glen opened his mouth with a heavy breath.

"N-no...! I, I should go with you...!"

Glen, who was excited and offered to go along, was stopped by Speyside standing next to him.

"If you're worried, I'll go in your place, so please stay here, Headmaster..."

Speyside also tried to restrain Glen, who was excited.

I thought their behavior was strange, but when I looked closely, the people around them were acting similarly.

"...When you return, I would like you to give us at least a hint about that magic."

Foal Pernod Roses said this, and the other teachers nodded repeatedly.

Indeed, a magician who could use flight magic was rare. As I thought this, I cast the magic.

I focused on bundling the wind and increasing its density. I intertwined the wind with the top and bottom of the carriage, creating invisible wings of magic.

It took about five seconds, but eventually, the carriage floated up as if it had lost its gravity.

At that moment, a voice echoed from inside the carriage.

"A, a, a, it's up! It's really up! Oh! I am now witnessing a historic moment...!"

"Wh-what, really...!?"

Crown and Alabata shouted and stuck their heads out of the carriage window to look at the ground. Inside the carriage, Strass and the others watched Crown and Alabata's backs with wry smiles. Not only Strass and Eliza but also Coat and Shenli were smiling similarly.

"...Well then."

After bowing slightly to the noisy group, I used the flight magic on myself and flew up to the driver's seat of the carriage.

"...Quite a grand departure, isn't it?"

When I sat in the driver's seat, Strass, who had stuck his head out of the carriage, said this with a sigh.

"Actually, a smaller carriage would have been fine, but everyone brought more luggage than I expected..."

When I replied, Strass blinked and let out a short breath.

"...That's not what I meant, but never mind."

Strass sighed and returned to the carriage.

Maybe he was thinking about leaving Alabata's subordinates behind. There was nothing I could do about that.

I considered flying a larger ship, but I decided it would be too conspicuous in the sky.

I should have no problem since I have Alabata's permission to leave them behind.

"Let's see how it goes later."

I changed my mindset and looked up. The sky was blue and clear. We were already at the height of the clouds, and the horizon looked slightly round.

"Perfect weather for a trip."

I said this and gently smiled.

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